Awning type windows and operating and locking mechanism therefor



Sept. 20, 1960 s. c. R|' 'Yr-4/ALJD 2,952,882

AwNING TYPE wINnows AND OPERATING AND LOCKING MECHANISM THEREFOR Filed June 27, 1956 3 Sheets-Sheet l 'r lll A 3% i n' a 5% j' j;

Sept. 20, 1960 s. c. REYNAUD AWNING TYPE WINDOWS AND OPERATING AND LOCKING MECHANISM THEREFOR S-Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 27, 1956 ij l D Niv ' NVENTOR. 547272/6/6 e/wWZ/Z Sept. 20, 1960 s. c. REYNAUD AWNING TYPE WINDOWS AND OPERATING AND LOCKING MECHANISM THEREFOR I5 Sheets-Sheet I5 Filed June 27, 1956 j 4. f y ,j M i MJ 4 j f 4 j 4 /z l i @M2 @4Q/ i /w w V, Il u V Mii J; M w y Z f4 74 if yf mw @Mm WF Q C d mw United States Patent AWNING TYPE WINDOWS AND OPERATING AND LOCKING MECHANISM THEREFOR Samuel Chester Reynaud, 924 Grande Marais Road, Grosse Pointe Park 30, Mich.

Filed June 27, 1956, Ser. No. '594,311

20 Claims. (Cl. 20-4'2) This invention relates to improved operating and locking mechanisms for awning type windows.

Awning windows of the balance arm type are Well known. These windows generally include a plurality of sashes arranged in vertical array, each one of the sashes being pivoted upon a pair of balance arms, or links connected between fixed points on the window frame and the sides of the sash. In previous residential type awning windows, the sashes are usually operated by vertical travel of a connecting bar which is slidably mounted in the frame and pivotally connected to an upper corner of each of the sashes. The action is a relatively simple toggle joint with the toggle knuckle, or knee being formed at the juncture of the balance arm and the sash. One disadvantage of such an arrangement is the reduction in leverage when the sashes are closed, since in this position the toggle members are almost aligned, and relatively large vertical forces must be applied to the connecting bar to initiate opening, or to complete closing of the sashes.

Previous awning type windows are relatively expensive to build, requiring a relatively large amount of hand labor in assembling the linkages between the sashes and frames. Further, it has been relatively dificult to devise automatic locking means actuatable by the operating mechanism to lock the sashes when they are closed. Usually different locking means are provided for upper and lower sashes of an array, which results in increasing the cost of the windows, since a larger inventory of parts must be maintained by the manufacturer, and more tools, jigs, and engineering are required.

Accordingly, one object of the instant invention is to provide improved operating mechanisms for awning type Windows.

Another object is to provide an improved operating mechanism for awning Windows that includes means for automatically locking the sashes when they are closed.

Another object is to provide improved means for linking mechanisms on opposite sides of a window frame so that they may be operated synchronously by a single actuating means to open and close window sashes without binding or utter.

These and other objects are accomplished according to the instant invention which provides an improved operating mechanism for balance arm type awning windows including sash actuating means connected to the sash at a point below the balance arm. In one embodiment of the invention7 this actuating means includes a lever, or beam pivoted upon the balance arm near the sash end thereof. One end of the beam is connected to a vertically movable actuating element, such as a conventional connecting bar. The other end of the beam is connected to the sash at a point on the sash below the balance arm pivot point. The motion of the sash during opening and closing thereof is controlled by the beam and balance arm, in combination with a series of cams and pins mounted on the beam and balance arm. The cams and pins not only control the travel of the Patented Sept. 20, 1960 beam and balance arm, but also automatically lock the sash when it is closed.

Other features of the instant invention relate to improved retaining means to retain the connecting bar in the side frame member of a window, and to improved linkage means for effecting a synchronized driving connection between a single actuating crank and a pair of connecting bars disposed on opposite sides of a window frame. The improved linkage includes a conventional torque bar extending across the width of the window frame within the lower sill member and provided with a crank arm at each end thereof. The crank arms are attached to respective links connected to the connecting bars in the respective side frame members. The actuating crank is pivotally mounted upon the window frame at one side thereof and is connected to the link within one side frame member at a point slightly above the point where the torque bar crank arm is connected. This mode of construction eliminates the necessity for extra links and other additional parts heretofore used, While at the same time providing a positive driving synchronization of the connecting bars on the opposite sides of the window frame.

The invention will be described in greater detail in connection with the accompanying drawings of which:

Figure l is an elevational view of a window according to the instant invention shown from the side normally facing the interior of a building in which the window is installed;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional View of the window shown in Fig. l taken along the section line 2-2 thereof, and showing the operating mechanism for the sashes, the sashes being closed and locked;

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the window as shown in Fig. 2 taken along the section line 3-3 thereof;

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the window as shown in Fig. 2, being generally the same view as Fig. 2, but showing the sashes unlocked;

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional View of the window structure taken along the same section line as Fig. 2, but showing the sashes in their open position;

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional View of the structure shown in Fig. 2 taken along the section line 6-6 thereof;

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the structure shown in Fig. 2 taken along the section line 7-7 thereof;

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the structure shown in Fig. 2 taken along the section line 8-8 thereof;

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional View of the structure shown in Fig. 2 taken along the section line 9--9 thereof; and

Fig. l0 is a sectional view of the structure shown in Fig. 2 taken along the section line 10-10 thereof.

Referring now to the drawings and starting with Fig. l, the reference numeral 10 generally designates a window according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The window 10 comprises left and right side frame members 12 and 14, respectively, connected between a header V16 and a sill 18 to form a generally rectangular, relatively rigid frame adapted to be secured within an opening in a building wall or the like. The frame may be of any desired rigid material, aluminum being preferred at the present time. Upper and lower sashes 20 and 22, respectively, are swingably mounted within the frame and operable therein by means of the mechanism shown in Figs. 2-l0. The sashes 20 and 22 may be of wood or metal, as desired, the showing of metal sashes herein being illustrative only and not limiting. They are provided With any desired means (not shown) for securing panes of glass 24 or other material within them.

The operating mechanism for the sashes is essentially the same on both sides of the Window frame except for change of hand, and except for the operator 26 which is installed at only one side of the window, either left sash side of the frame'member 14 and includes a projecting ange 33 which bears an outwardly facing resilient gasket 35 for weather sealing the sashes 20 and 22.

The gasket 35 may be of any resilient material, such as rubber orga resin, and may be attached to theV ange 33 by any desired means. such as the lock channel 33a shown. The outer leg 31of the channel member is perforated by a series of apertures, not shown, so that screws 37 may be inserted therethrough to secure the frame to a structural member of 4a wall or the like. A

longitudinal boss 45 projects into the channel of the frame member 14 from the 'web 39 relatively close to the outer leg 31. This boss 41 forms the retaining wall of a guide channel (not separately designated) for holding and guiding for smooth vertical travel a plurality of shoe members 44 to which a connecting bar 42 is attached.

` The lower and upper sash supporting and locking means are substantially identical in the window structure according to the invention. Each one of the sashes 20 and 22 is swingably supported in the conventional manner upon a pair of balance arms 28, which are Y pivoted at their lower ends on pivots 29 xed onrthe inner wall 30 of the side frame members (see Figs. 2, 3 and 9). The upper ends of the balance arms 28 are attached to pivots 34 fixed on the sashes (Fig. 7). In accordance wtih known principles, the length of the balance arms is such, and the pivot points 34 are located on theV sashes so that the sashes are Vsubstantially balanced upon the pivots 34 during fa large portion of their travel from la fully open to a fully closed position within the frame.

The sashes are each adjustable in position by levers,

Vor beams 36, being pivoted upon pins 38, which are carried by the balance arms 28 and extending through lost motion slots 50 in the beams. The lower end of each beam -is pvotally connected through a short link 40 to the sash lat a point below the pivot 34 of the balance arm. The upper end of each beam 36 is pivotally vconnected to a slidable connecting bar 42 which is mounted for vertical travel in a xed path within the side frame member 14, and which is actuatable as hereinafter described. Pin. and cam guide meansY are provided between the beam 36 and the balance arm 28 and function to hold the sashes'rigidly -ixed in position at all times, and to lock the sashes securely and firmly when they are closed.

A brief description of the general mode of operation of windows according to the present invention may be helpful at this point to facilitate an understanding of the detailed description which follows. Fig. 2 illustrates the ywindow with the sashes closed and locked, whereas Fig. 5 shows the sashes in a fully open position. In opening and closing the sashes are swungabout their pivot points 34 at the upper ends of the balance arms 28 by actuation of the connecting bar 42 which moves the upper ends of the beams 36 up or down, as desired. When the connecting bar is moved downwardly, the sashes' are forced open and swing outwardly about the axes defined byfthe Vpivots 34, fwhile at the same time the balance arms 28 pivot outwardly upon their frame pivot points 29. 'The sashes are closed by moving the connecting bar 42 upwardly to swing the sashes counter- Yclockwise about their pivot points 34 and to retract the balance arms 28 Vinto the frame member V14. One major improvement of the present invention is the actuation of the sashes by a force applied to them below their axes of rotation, i.e., at points which are farther from the frame than the balance 'arm sash pivot points when the sashes are open. This feature provides several unexpected advantages, as will be explained in detail hereinafter. c c

The beam 36 aud the balance arm 28 are connected together by a pivot pinV 38Y carried by `and projecting from the balance arm 28 and passing ythrough an arcuate, longitudinal slot 50 in therbeam 36. The travel of the beam 36 with respect to the balance arm 28 is controlled by this pin 38 andY a series of three cam follower pins 52, 54 andV 56 which-are mounted upon the beam 36 and positioned to engage respective cam-shaped slots 58, 60 and 62 in the balancey arm 2'8. The uppermost slot 58 is arcuate in shape, closed at both ends, and is positioned close below and curved upwardly around the beamv pivot'pin 38. The intermediate slot 60 is open at its forward end and extends generally upwardly therefrom. It is defined by two arcuate cam surfaces 60a and 60b which diverge forwardly to form a Y-shaped opening to guide the pin 54 into'and out of the slot 60. The lowermost slot 62 is also open at its forward end, and defined by two cam surfaces 62a and 62b. The upper cam surface 62a of this slot 62extends yalong a gently convexly curved line rearwardly from its forward edge, and then breaks sharply upwardly and follows a straight, vertical line to the upper end of the slot. The functions of these various cam surfaces will be explained hereinafter in conjunction with the operation of the sashes. The upper portionof the balance arm 28 is widened suiciently to accommodate the slots, but such widening is limited bythe necessity to it the entire balance arm within the :side frame member 14 when the sashes are closed. The maximum width of the balance arm 28, and consequently, the maximum lengths of the slots 58, 60 and 62 are limited by the width (inside to outside of the window) of the frame member 14. i

The lowermost pin 56 may be called the lock pin and preferably is fitted with a roller sleeve (not separately designated) to minimize friction and wear and permit easy travel over the relatively sharp corner of the `cam 62. 'Ihis pin 56 serves two principal functions in the operation of the window. First, after the sash is closed, the pin 56 is car-ried upwards by the beam to engage the vertical portion of the upper cam surface 62a of the slot 62 to lock the sash rigidly in its closed position. Second, to initiate opening ofthe sash, the pin 56 bears against the lower cam surface 62b to force the sash outwardly'thus implementing the leverage of the beam 36. This pin 56 is the farthest pin from the pivot 38 and, therefore, Vhas the greatest leverage to break the Ysash away from the frame.

The uppermost pin 52 is the principal guide pin to control the travel of thebeam 36 except when the sash is in or near its closed position. The guide pin 52 is carried by the beam 36 Vand travels within the slot 58 Vin the balance arm 28. Only the forward, outer portion of the slot 58 acts as a cam, the rear, or inner part being a lost motion aperture to' permit free travel of the pin 52 when the sash is in or near its closed position. Because of the close spacing of the guide pin 52 to the beam pivot 38, the leverage ofthe guide pin 52 is limited when the sashes approach a vertical position and the guide pin approaches the vertical center line'of the pivot 38. iIt ispreferred, therefore, in order to reduce the criticality of the dimensions of the cam surfaces of the slot 58, to provide an auxiliary pin 54 positioned between the guide pin 52 and the lock pin 56.

The auxiliary pin 54 operates to guide-the beam 36 during that portion of the opening and closing of the sash when the lock pin 56 is disengaged from the slot 62 and the guide pin 572 is disengaged from the cam portion of the slot 58. As the sash opens, and as theV auxiliary pin 54 is released from the slot 60, the guide pin 52 enters the forward, or cam portion of the slot 58 and takes over the principal guide function for the beam 36. From this point on, in opening the sash the pins 38 and 52 form a parallelogram with the screw 41 and the pin 43 of the link 40, the pin 52 serving to hold the pivot 38 at the upper end of the slot 5G. Upon closing of the window the parallelogram between these four pins is maintained until the guide pin 52 passesover the center point of the slot 58 into the lost motion portion thereof. When this occurs, the auxiliary pin S4 is already in its slot 60 and it guides the beam during the next portion of its closing travel, until the lock pin 56 engages the slot 62. During closing of the sashes, as soon as the guide pin 52 enters the lost motion portion of the slot 58, the beam 36 begins to travel up'- wardly with respect to the balance arm 28, displacing the lost motion slot 50 upwardly with respect to the pivot -38 and drawing the pins '54 and 56 upwardly through the slots 6i) and 62 to complete the locking of the sashes.

As perhaps best shown in Fig. 5, the sashes are controlled through the connecting bar 42 which is pivotally connected to the upper ends of the beams 36 of all the sashes in the array. At its lower end, the connecting bar 42 is pivotally connected to a link 70, which includes an upper, straight portion 72 and a lower, dog leg end portion 74. The lower end of the straight portion 72 of the link at one side of the window is pivotally connected to an actuator crank 76, by means of which the link may be energized to drive the connecting bar 42 vertically, up and down within the frame member 14. The actuator crank 76 is mounted on a xed pivot 77 outside the frame member 14, and may be operatable by any desired means such as the conventional operator assembly 26, illustrated. This assembly comprises a hand crank 78 projecting from the window frame toward the interior of the building in which the window is mounted. The hand crank is attached to a worm 80 to drive a gear segment 83, which is attached to and preferably formed integrally with the actuator crank 76. 'I'he actuator crank 76 thus may be swung through approximately a right angle arc to impart a substantially rectilinear motion to the connecting bar 42.

The rotational travel of the actuator crank 76 is transmitted to the opposite side of the window to actuate the connecting bar at that side through a torque tube 82 journaled in bearings (not separately designated) within the sill 18. A crank arm 81 is secured to each end of the torque tube 82, the arm 81 at the side of the window illustrated being provided with a short slot 85 through which a pin 79 is passed to connect the crank arm directly to the dog leg portion 74 of the link 70. The crank arm at the opposite end of the torque tube is provided with a round aperture (not shown) in place of a slot 8S to eliminate play in the action of the connecting bar driven by it. Except for this difference (a small amount of lost motion at the operator side versus positive drive at the opposite side of the window) and change of hand, the connections of the two torque bar crank arms are identical. As the link 70 is moved up and down through its path as controlled by the actuator arm 76, it swings the crank arm 8,1 through an arc to rotate the torque tube 82 and thus to drive the operating mechanism at the opposite side of the window.

The present construction provides relatively high mechanical advantage for the actuator arm 76 without the use of auxiliary links to compensate for the difference between the paths of travel of the actuator arm 76 and the crank arm 81.

The relative dimensions of the link 70, the actuator arm 76 and the crank arm 81 are all critical, however, to provide satisfactory operation of the synchronized linkage between the two sides of the window. In general, Va change in any one of these critical dimensions requires a compensating change in some, Vor all of the others. Many dierent combinations may be worked out, most simply by trial and error methods on a drawing board.

assassin Three dilerent illustrative sets of dimensions are presented here, Window operating mechanisms constructed according to each set having been found to operate satisfactorily according to the invention. These dimensions may be expressed in any desired units of length depending on the size of the window, and if the construction is in accordance with any one of the three sets, the slot need be only large enough to allow about 3/8 unit of travel of the pin 79 longitudinally in the crank arm 81, all of the other pivot connections of the assembly being lixed. All dimensions given are between pivot centers with the window closed and locked, unless otherwise expressly noted.

Operating Mechanisms Oset of dog leg 74 taken along line perpendicular' to straight portion 72 5/ s Vertical distance between torque tube center and actuator arm pivot 13552 17/ 21%.@ Horizontal distance between torque tube center and actuator arm pivot.. 11/64 2%2 1 Any substantial change in one of the dimensions of any of the three sets, without compensating changes in others, necessitates a disproportionately great enlargement of the slot 85, and thereby occasions a loss of posiytive synchronization between the two opposite connecting bars. In general, a cumulative error of not more than about .030 unit of length can be tolerated, and it is therefore preferred as a matter of practical manufacturing technique to maintain the dimensions of the individual parts within i.005 unit. The individual dimensions may be varied beyond this relatively narrow limit, however, provided only that all the variations are not in similar directions and additive to produce a total tracking error of more than about .030 unit.

Although the crank arm 81 and the actuator crank 76 travel about diterent pivot points and describe dilerent arcs las indicated in Fig. 5, the oiset of the dog leg portion 74 of the link, coupled with the changing angle of the link as it travels, compensates for the difference in paths of the crank arm 81 and the actuator crank 76 so that only a relatively small slot 85 need be provided to allow for lost motion between the link 70 and the crank arm 81.

In order to make ample allowance for relatively wide manufacturing tolerances, it is preferred to provide a slot 86 in the frame member 14 for attachment of the lower sash balance arm 28. This slot permits Vertical adjustment of the position of the lower sash in the frame to insure smooth, non-binding action of the linkages, and a precise t of the lower sash against the sill 18. Once the lower sash 22 is installed and adjusted the pivot 29 of the lower sash balance arm 28 may be rigidly fixed.

As important advantage of a window structure according to the instant invention is the feasibility of preassembling the balance arm 28, beam 36 and link 40, and installing them in the window frame as an assembled unit. In previous awning type windows, the individual balance arms and actuating mechanism vare usually installed piece by piece, and attached in separate operations to the sash and to the frame. In the present construction, on the other hand, the link 40, the beam 36 and the balance arm 28 may be preassembled and readily placed in the side frame member 14 as a single unit. Subsequently, the balance arms may be attached to the frame members and to the sashes, and the link 40 attached to the sashes to complete the construction.

Other important advantages of the construction of the instant invention relate to the operation of the saShes and the coaction of the beam 36 and balance arm in opening, closing and locking thereof. It will be noted, for example, that when the sashes are inV their fully closed positions the links 40 are horizontal. As shown in Fig'. 4, when the sashes are unlocked (but still closed) the links 40 are tilted slightly and draw the lower ends of the sashes inwardly. This tends to pivot the sashes and to break the upper ends of the sashes free of their sealing engagement with the weather gaskets 35. As the beams are then drawn further downwardly by the connecting bar, the lock pins 56 engage the lower surfaces 62b of the slots 62 to cam the windows outwardly, and as the loc-k pins 56 clear the Slots 62 the auxiliary pins 54 engage the lower surfaces 60b of the slots 60 to continue forcing the sashes outwardly in a prescribed, predetermined path. As the auxiliary pins 54 start to clear the slots 60, the Vcontrol pins 52 are drawn out of the lost motion portions of the slots 58 and engage the cam surfaces thereof which are in the forward parts of the Vslots 58.

The pins 54 are used primarily because they are spaced farther from the principal pivots 38 than are the main control pins 52 and have a greater leverage. When the sashes are in or near a vertical position, the leverage of the control pins 52 with respect to the pivot pins 38 is reduced and relatively close tolerances are necessary in order to make the control pins 52 guide the sashes suiciently accurately so that the locking pins 56 will enter the slots 62 in proper alignment without binding. In order to avoid such close tolerances, the auxiliary pins 54 are utilized to guide the sashes during a portion of their travel as they approach a vertical position.

Another feature of the invention is embodied in the means for retaining the connecting bar 42 in the side lframe member 14. As shown particularly in Fig. 6, the

connecting bar 42 is firmly attached as by shoulder rivets, or pins 87 to shoes 44 which may be of a molded resin, stainless steel or any desired material having favorable friction characteristics with respect to the material of the side frame member 14. These shoes 44 are spaced along the connecting bar according to the sash spacing, one shoe 44 being provided at each sash, and one shoe also being provided at the lower end of the connecting bar where it is attached to the driving link 70. The pins 87 are extended, as hereinafter described in greater detail, to support the beams 36 and the link 70. The shoes 44 are slidably mounted in the channel of the side frame member and are retained therein during normal operation of the window by means of the retaining boss, or flange 45, which projects from the web portion of the frame member 14 and bears against only the inner cor` Y ners of the shoes 44. When it is desired to remove the connecting bar assembly, the shoes 44 may be readily withdrawn from the guide channel merely by twisting the connecting bar 42 to draw outwardly on the outer portions of the shoes 44. Such twisting action is exactly the opposite of that which occurs during normal operation of the window, the forces encountered therein being normal- 1y in a clockwise direction upon the shoes as viewed in Fig. 6. The connecting bar` 42 with its retaining shoes 44 Y may thus be inserted in the side frame member 14 after the frame is completely fabricated, and no special cutout notches need be provided in the frame'member to permit release of the shoes 44.

It should also be noted that the beams 36 on `all except the uppermost sash of the array may be secured to the connecting bar 42 upon pivot pins 87 without any Separate, axially retaining lock means. These pivot pins 87 are relatively long and project from the connecting bar 42 into close proximity to the inner wall 30 of the frame member Y14 so thatV the wall 30 prevents the beams 36 fromY sliding off the pins 87. The pin 87 however, at the top of the connecting bar 42 is preferably provided with a retaining snap ring 89 to secure the upper sash beam 36, because this top pin 87 is positioned above the upper end of the inner'wall 30 of the frame 14 when the sashes are closed. ,y ,n i

The operatingV mechanisms accordingto the invention are relatively rugged and unaffected by mishandling and distortion of thel window frames in which they are installed. Adequate clearances are provided to avoid interference between the various arms and links even though the frames are twistedand bent during installation. The interposition ofthe relatively longV beams 36 between the frame members 14 and the sashes minimizes the adverse eiects of misalignment of the frame members with respect to the sashes. In previous awning windows wherein the sashes are closely coupled at their upper ends to the yframe members, relatively slight distortion of the frame members produces binding of the sashes and oftenrenders them inoperable. Windows according to the present Vinvention may be handled and installed with far less care ing travel of the connecting bars. In such previous windows, the pivot connections between the sashes and the connecting bars must be above the upper edges of the sashes in order to avoid drawing the sashes into the frame when the windows are opened, and, therefore, in order to close the sashes fully the connecting bars must be Y extended into the headers above the upper edges of the sashes. 'I'he connecting bars must then travel further upwards to accomplish .automatic locking. In windows according to the invention, on the other hand, the sashcontrolling beams may be pivoted on the connecting bars at points normally below the upper edges of the sashes, so that the sashes may be fully closed without moving the connecting bars into the headers, and the locking travel of the pins and cams may be partially accomplished during travel of the connecting bars below the header.

There have thus been described improved operating mechanisms for awning type windows including sash operating beams pivoted upon the sash balance arms and connected to the sashes at points below the balance arm pivot points. The mechanisms according to the invention are of improved simplicity and rugged construction and provide easy and positive actuation of the sashes.

Whatris claimed is:

1. A11 Vawning window comprising a frame, a sash mounted for swinging travel into and out of said frame about a horizontal axis, said sash being supported upon a balance arm pivotally attached at oneend to said frame and at its other end to a fixed point on said sash, a beam pivotally supported near its center upon said balance arm near the sash end thereof 4and movable with respect to the sash, one end of said beam being linked to said sash, the other end of said beam being slidably secured to said fname lfor controlled vertical travel therein.

2. An Y awning type window comprising a generally rectangular frame having ysidemembers, a balance arm pivotally attached to one ofsaid side members, a sash pivotally supported by said balancearm and swingable about a horizontal axis, a beam Vmovable with respect to said sash and centrally pivoted upon said balance arm at a point thereon adjacent to said sash, one end of said beam being linked to said sash at a point thereon below the point where said balance arm is attached thereto, the other end of said beam being pivotally secured upon said one side member andvertically reciprocable thereon.

3. An awning type Window kcomprising a generally rec- -tangular frame having side members, a balance arm pivotally'attached to one of said side members, a sash pivotally supported by said balance ann and swingable about a horizontal axis, a beam centrally pivoted upon said balance arm at a point thereon adjacent to said sash, one end of said beam being linked to said sash at a point below the point where said balance arm is attached thereto, the other end of said beam being pivotally secured upon said one side member and vertically reciprocable thereon, and cam means carried by said beam and said balance arm to control the relative positions thereof as a function of the vertical travel of said other end of said beam.

4. An awning type window comprising a generally rectangular frame having side members, a balance arm pivotally attached to one of said side members, a sash pivotally supported by said balance arm and swingable about a horizontal axis, a beam centrally pivoted upon said balance arm at a point thereon adjacent to said sash, one end of said beam being linked to said sash at a point below the point where said balance arm is attached thereto, the other end of said beam being pivotally secured upon said one side member and vertically reciprocable thereon, said balance arm being slotted to provide a series of longitudinally spaced cam surfaces, and cam follower means mounted upon and projecting from said beam, said cam follower means being positioned to engage said cam surfaces and thereby to control the relative positions of said beam and said balance arm as a function of the vertical position of said other end of said beam.

5. An awning type window comprising a generally rectangular frame having side members, a balance arm pivotally attached to one of said side members, a sash pivotally supported by said balance arm and swingable about a horizontal axis, a beam centrally pivoted upon said balance arm at a point thereon adjacent to said sash, one end of said beam being linked to said sash, the other end of said beam being pivotally secured upon said one side member and vertically reciprocable thereon, lost motion means to allow longitudinal travel of said beam with respect to said balance arm, and cam means cooperative between said beam and said balance arm rigidly to control the relative positions thereof as a function of the vertical travel of said other end of said beam.

6. An awning type window comprising a generally rectangular frame having side members, a balance arm pivotally attached to one of said side members, a sash pivotally supported by said balance arm and swingable about a horizontal axis, a beam centrally pivoted upon said balance arm at a point thereon adjacent to said sash, one end of said beam being linked to said sash, the other end of said beam being pivotally secured upon said one side member and vertically reciprocable thereon, lost motion means to allow longitudinal travel of said beam with respect to said balance arm, and cam means cooperative between said beam and said balance arm rigidly to control the relative positions thereof as a function of the vertical travel of said other end of said beam, said cam means being effective to lock said beam and said balance arm against relative rotational movement when said beam is moved to one limit of its permissible lost motion.

7. An awning type window comprising a generally rectangular frame having side members, a pair of balance arms pivotally attached to opposite respective ones of said side members, a sash pivotally supported by and between said balance arms and swngable about a horizontal axis, beams centrally pivoted upon said balance arms at points thereon adjacent to said sash and movable relative to said sash, said beams being linked at one end to the sides of said sash at points thereon below the points where said balance anns are attached thereto, and means controllably to reciprocate the other ends of said beams through predetermined vertical paths.

8. In combination with an awning window of the type including a frame, and a sash mounted upon said frame for swinging opening and closing travel about a horizontal axis, said sash being supported upon a pair of balance arms connected between saidV sash and said frame, the improvement comprising a pair of beams pivoted upon said balance arms near the sash ends thereof, said beams being linked at one end to' said sash and having their other ends slidably mounted for controlled vertical travel in a xed path within said frame, and cam means interacting between said beam and said balance arm to control the relative positions thereof, said cam means also being eifective to lock said balance arms and said beams together against rotational movement relative to each other when said other ends of said beams are moved to one limit of their vertical travel in said frame.

9. A supporting and control structure for an awning type window sash comprising a balance arm having a relatively wide body portion and a relatively narrow shank extending therefrom and in alignment therewith, a supporting pin mounted upon said body portion and projecting substantially perpendicularly therefrom adjacent to the end thereof remote from said shank portion, said body portion defining a series of three arcuate, transversely extending, slot-shaped apertures spaced from said suppo'rting pin, the aperture closest to said pin being closed at both its ends and lying partly along a circular arc centered about said pin, the other two apertures being spaced progressively farther from said pin than said first aperture and opening upon one edge of said body portion, and -a beam pivoted upon said pin, said beam defining a central arcuate elongated aperture, said pin passing through said elongated aperture so' that said beam is angularly movable with respect to said balance arm and longitudinally movable with respect thereto through a limited travel, said beam being provided with a series of three laterally projecting members, each one of said members being positioned to lit within and to engage the edges of a respective one of said balance arm apertures.

10. Driving means for actuating the connecting bars of an awning window of the type including a pair of vertically slidable connecting bars mounted in opposite side frame members, a rotatable shaft extending across said window from one side frame member to the other, said shaft having a pair of crank arms mounted on opposite respective ends thereof, a pair of links for connection between said connecting bars and said crank arms so that rotational movement of said shaft produces synchronized vertical travel of said connecting bars, said driving means comprising an actuato'r crank pivoted at a fixed point adjacent to and outside of the frame member in which one of said connecting bars is mounted, said crank being pivoted upon one of said links at a point intermediate the ends of said link, and means to rotate said actuating crank about said iixed point.

1l. A synchronizing mechanism for an awning window of the type including a pair of vertically slidable connecting bars mounted in opposite side frame members, said mechanism comprising a pair of links pivotally connected to the lower ends of respective ones of said connecting bars, each one of said links having an upper straight portion and a downwardly extending oiset portion at the lower ends thereof, an actuating crank pivotally supported at a predetermined point adjacent to and outside of the frame member in which one of said connecting bars is mounted, a pivot connecting said crank to the lower end of the straight portion of one of said links, a torque tube extending across said window from one of said frame members to the other, and a pair of crank arms rigidly secured to opposite ends of said torque tube and pivotally connected to' the lower ends of said offset portions of respective ones of said links.

12. A synchronizing mechanism for an awning window of the type including a pair of vertically slidable connecting bars mounted in opposite side frame members, said mechanism comprising a pair of links pivotally connected to' the lower ends of respective ones of said connecting bars, each one of said links having an upper straight portion and a downwardly extending offset portion at the lower end thereof, an actuating crank pivotally supported at a predetermined point adjacent to and outside of the frame member in which one of said connecting bars is mounted, said crank being pivotally connected to the 11 lower end of the straight portion of one of said links, a torque tube extending across said window from one of said frame members to the other, and a pair of crank arms'rigidly secured to opposite ends o'f said torqueA tube and pivotally connected to the lower ends of said offset portions of respective ones of said links, both said links having upper straight portions and lower portions oiset therefrom and ,extending` generally parallel thereto, and

lost motion means to provide limited linear -ree travel V between said one link and the crank arm attached thereto.

Y 13. An awning type Window structure comprising a side frame member of generally channel shape having a pair of longitudinal legs connected together by a web portion, one of said legs having an inwardly projecting longitudinal retaining flange at its outer extremity, said web portion having a longitudinal boss projecting inwardly generally parallel to and closely spaced from said one leg, a plurality of shoe members slidably fitted within said channel against said one leg, o'ne edge of each of said shoe members being positioned between said one leg and said boss, the other edge of each Yof said shoe members abutting said ttiange, a connectingbar rigidly secured to said shoe members and retained in said frame member channel thereby against a twisting force exerted thereon in'one angular direction, said bar and said shoes being readily removable from said frame member by twisting them li a direction opposite from said one direction.

14. Ari awning ltype window comprising a generally rectangular -frame having side members, a pair of balance arms pivotally attached toopposite respective ones of said side members, a sash pivotally supportedr by and between said balance arms and swingable about a horizontal axis, a pair of connecting bars slidably mounted for Vertical travel in said opposite respectiveones of said side members, a pair of beams movable relative to said sash and centrally pivoted upon respective ones of said balance arms at points thereon adjacent to said sash, the lower ends of said beams being linked to the sides of said sash atY points below the points where said balance arms are attached thereto, the upper ends of said beams being pivotally connectedv to respective onesl of said connecting bars, a torque tube extending across said window from one side frame member to the other and having a pair of crank arms mounted on opposite ends thereof, a pair of links connected between said connecting bars and said crank arms so that rotational movement of said torque tube produces synchronized vertical travel of said connecting bars, and driving means comprising an actuator crank pivoted at a tiXed point adjacent to and outside of one yof said side frame members,.said crank being pivotally connected to one of said links at a point intermediate the ends thereof, and Y means to rotate said actuating crank about said iixed point.

15. An awning window of the balance arm type com- .prising a frame, a pairV of balance larms pivoted upon said ramefa sash pivoted upon said balance arms for swinging opening and closing travel away from and toward said frame, and an actuating member for controllably swinging said sash open and closed, said member being movable relative to said sash and connected to said sash at a point that is farther from said frame than the balance arm sash pivot point when said sash is in an open position. 16. An actuating mechanism for an awning window of the type having a frame, a pair of balance `arms pivoted at one end upon opposite respective sides of the frame, and a sash pivoted upon the ends of the balance arms gopposite from their frame connected ends for opening iand closing travel relative to the frame about a swinging axis, said'actuat'ing mechanism comprising a pair of beams, means for pivoting said beams ntermediate their ends upon the respective balance arms, means for pivotally connecting said beams with the frame, and link means Vfor pivotally linking said beams to the sash. Y f Y Y Y 17. An actuating mechanism for an awning window of the type having a frame, a pair rof balance -arms pivoted at one end upon opposite respective sides of the frame, and a sash pivoted upon the ends of the balance arms 'opposite from their frame connected ends for opening and closing travel relative to the frame |about a swinging axis, said actuating mechanism comprising a pair of beams, means for pivoting said beams upon the respective balance arms at points thereon spaced between the ends of said beams, link means for pivotally linking said beams to lthe sash, means for pivotally connecting said beams with the frame, and guide means cooperative between said beams `and the balance arms Vfor controlling the movement of said beams relative to the balance arms.

18. An actuating mechanism for an awning window of the type having a frame, a pair of balance `arms pivoted at one end upon opposite respective Asides of the frame, and a sashvpivoted upon the ends of the balance arms opposite from their yframe connected ends for opening and closing travel relative to the frame about a swinging axis, said actuating mechanism comprising a pair of beams, means including pin-in-slot connections for mounting said beams upon the balance arms at points thereon spaced between the ends of said beams, said beams being thereby slidably and pivotally connected to the balance arms, link means for pivotally linking said beams to the sash, means for pivotally connecting said beams with the frame, and cam means cooperative between said beams and the balance arms kfor controlling the travel of said beams relative to the balance arms.

19. An actuating mechanism for an awning window of the type having a frame, a pair of balance arms pivoted at one end upon opposite respective sides of the frame, and a sash pivoted upon the ends of the balance arms opposite from their frame connected ends forl opening and closing travelrelative to the frame about a swinging axis, said actuating mechanism comprising a pair of slide members slidable upon the sides of the frame, a pair of beams, means for pivoting said beams upon the respective balance arms between the ends of said beams, link means for pivotally linking said beams to the sash, and means for pivotally connecting said beams to respective ones of said slideV members.

20. A supporting and control structure vfor an awning l window of the type having a frame and a sash mounted for swinging opening and closing movement relative to Ithe frame, said structure comprisingV an elongated balance arm for supporting the sash swingably upon the frame, a beam pivotally connectedintermediate its ends with said balance arm, 'means for pivotally connecting one end of said beam to the sash, means for pivotally linking theA opposite end ofsaid beam with the frame, and cam means carried by said balance arm and said beam to control'their relative positions as said beam is swung around its pivotal connection to said balance arm.

References Cited in the iile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,825,939 lTeggelaar Y v r Mar. l1, 1958 

